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Communication Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Communication Apprentice

Tysons, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting ... communicate in English. * May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while ...

The Matthews Group, Inc.

Operator

Leesburg, VA

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Scope of Operator II Position Operates TMG equipment in support of TMG's team effort to ... communicate and listen. Other physical requirements include standing, walking, climbing or ...

The Matthews Group, Inc.

Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Scope of Operator II Position Operates TMG equipment in support of TMG's team effort to ... communicate and listen. Other physical requirements include standing, walking, climbing or ...

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$10

$23

$43

How much do communication operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for communication operator in Virginia is $23.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Communication Operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Communication Operator, you need strong verbal and written communication skills, quick decision-making abilities, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio dispatch systems, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software, and emergency response protocols is typically required. Exceptional multitasking, stress management, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate information relay, effective coordination, and timely response in high-pressure situations.

What are some common challenges Communication Operators face during high-pressure situations, and how can they effectively manage them?

Communication Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios, such as emergency calls or critical incidents, where quick thinking and calm decision-making are essential. Managing multiple calls, relaying accurate information, and prioritizing tasks can be challenging when the workload spikes. To handle these situations effectively, operators rely on strong organizational skills, thorough training in protocols, and support from their team. Regular debriefings and ongoing professional development also help operators improve their stress management and communication abilities.

What are Communication Operators?

Communication Operators are professionals responsible for managing and directing communications within an organization or between organizations and the public. They operate communication equipment such as radios, telephones, and computers to dispatch information, relay messages, and coordinate responses, especially in emergency situations. Communication Operators play a critical role in ensuring that information is accurately and efficiently transmitted to the right parties. Their work is essential in fields like emergency services, security, transportation, and large organizations where constant communication is necessary.

What is the difference between Communication Operator vs Radio Dispatcher?

AspectCommunication OperatorRadio Dispatcher
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications varySimilar requirements; often includes specialized radio operation training
Work EnvironmentCall centers, customer service, emergency communication centersEmergency services, transportation hubs, public safety agencies
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, emergency services, government agenciesPolice, fire departments, transit authorities
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for communication roles in customer service or emergency responseCompared for roles involving dispatching and radio communication in public safety

Communication Operators and Radio Dispatchers share similar skills in radio communication and customer service, but they differ mainly in their work environments and specific responsibilities. Communication Operators often handle general communication tasks in call centers or customer service, while Radio Dispatchers focus on coordinating emergency or transportation services via radio. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in their respective industries.

What are popular job titles related to Communication Operator jobs in Virginia? For Communication Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Communication Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Communication Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Communication Operator jobs in VA? For Communication Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Communication Operator jobs near you
Communication Apprentice

Communication Apprentice

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 351 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity
Communication Technician Apprentices are employees and have basic employee responsibilities. This level Apprentice will be given instruction and work experience installing basic communication equipment which involves using hand tools and power tools, a basic understanding of electrical blueprints, and knowledge of the NEC. Additionally, each Apprentice must make every effort to become a well-qualified technician. This requires registering for related instruction courses, attending regularly and being on time.
Responsibilities
  • Assisting in pulling various types of wiring.
  • Assisting in Site Grounding
  • Assisting in Pulling Low Voltage Cable
  • Assisting in Prefab Assembly installation.
  • Assisting in Core Drilling
  • Assisting in the installation of Cable Tray.
  • Installing Devices
  • Maintaining clean work area.
  • Securing company tools daily
  • Assist with monthly tool checks.
  • Participating in Job site clean up.
  • Handling material.
  • Preparing the work area.
  • Demonstrating effective use of hand tools such as drill motors, sawzalls, hydraulic knockouts punches, etc.
  • Wearing all Personal Safety Equipment
  • Following safety policies and rules
  • Reading, understanding and demonstrating use of Activity Hazard Analysis
  • Demonstrating proper use and care of tools
  • Displaying understanding of and following material safeguarding and storage practices
  • Displaying understanding of and following equipment safety, safeguarding and storage.
  • Assisting in all size of telecom wire pulling.
  • Participating actively in Daily work briefings.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED are required with 0+ months experience
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from the jobsite and school.
  • Be willing to attend school in the evenings one or two nights a week for three (3) years.
  • This is a 40 hour per week position
  • Overtime work expected when needed Potential of temporary travel may be involved.
  • Up to 50% of travel may be required.
  • Ability to obtain US Secret Clearance.

Desired:
  • Apprentices must be able to follow directions to install a quality product under the guidance of Technicians, Foreman or other leadership.
  • Apprentices must have Basic hand tool set to include Snips and Punch down Tool.
  • Apprentices with experience assisting with Fiber Optics is a plus.
  • Vocational Training is a plus.

Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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